SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - A nationwide boycott of Starbucks stores and its products was launched Tuesday by an anti-gun group in an effort to change the company's policy on guns.
The National Gun Victims Action Council said Tuesday it was boycotting the popular coffee chain in a movement called "Brews not Bullets." The group said it would not by any products from the chain until they eliminate the risk of guns in public places.
Starbucks currently allows guns and assault weapons to be openly carried and concealed in its stores in states where the law permits, according to a company spokesperson. The company said it is only following the laws of each state in the U.S.
"Starbucks allowing guns to be carried in thousands of their stores significantly increases everyone’s risk of being a victim of gun violence,” says Elliot Fineman, CEO of the NGAC.
However, gun supporters don't understand the boycott. Janalee Tobias, founder of Women Against Gun Control, said banning guns would not eliminate crime.
"We all want to see crime go down," Tobias said. "If these anti-gun groups want to have an impact on crime they should go after the people who don't obey the law."
